One of the questions I get asked the most is:
"How do you have time to read with 3 kids?"
The truth? I don't have hours of uninterrupted free time.
I don't spend every evening curled up on the couch in my home library reading for three hours while my house magically stays clean. (But a girl can dream) Most of my reading happens in little pockets of time throughout the day.
If you've been wanting to read more but feel like motherhood has made it impossible, here are tips that have genuinely helped me build a reading habit.
Let Go Of The Idea That You Need Hours To Read
Before kids, reading can look different.
Now? Sometimes I read one chapter. Sometimes it's 2 pages.
Some days I don't read or listen to a book at all - and that's okay.
A reading habit isn't built by having endless free time. It's built by consistently making room for reading, even if it's only a few minutes.
Audiobooks Absolutely Count
Let's settle this once and for all:
Audiobooks count as reading.
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
It'll be honest - I wasn't sold on audiobooks at first. It felt weird listening instead of reading, and sometimes the narrator's voice just wasn't for me. If that happens, don't give up! Try another book or another narrator. Once you find one you enjoy, it becomes so much easier.
Now? Audiobooks are how I finish so many books.
I listen while:
- Working out
- Folding laundry
- Washing dishes
- Cleaning the house (because let's be honest.. it's a lot less boring with a good story)
- Running errands
- Driving (depending if the book is appropriate IYKYK, but usually after school drop offs or on the way to pick them up)
- Sitting in the school pickup line
Reading doesn't have to mean sitting on the couch with a paperback. Stories fit into your life in more ways than one.
Create Quiet Reading Time
If you can, find one small part of your day that's just yours.
Maybe that's:
- Waking up 20-30 minutes before the kids.
- Reading during nap time instead of tackling another chore.
- Reading before bed instead of scrolling social media.
Those quiet moments can become something you actually look forward to.
Replace Some Scrolling With Reading
I'm not saying delete social media.
(That would be a little ironic considering you're reading this because of social media.)
But if you spend 15 minutes scrolling before bed, try reading instead.
Those little swaps make a huge difference over time.
Keep a Book Everywhere
You'll read more if your book is easy to grab.
Keep one:
- In your purse
- On your nightstand
- In the diaper bag
- On the kitchen counter
You never know when you'll end up with 10 unexpected minutes.
Don't Force Yourself To Finish Every Book
Life is too short to read books you don't enjoy.
If you're 100 pages in and you're dreading picking it up....
Quit.
There are thousands of amazing books waiting for you.
Reading should feel like something you want to do - not another obligation.
Affordable Ways To Get Books
Reading doesn't have to be an expensive hobby.
Here are some of my favorite ways to find books:
📚 Your local library (& through Libby & Hoopla)
We all know you can borrow books from the library. But do you know you can also borrow e-books and audiobooks from the library too? If you haven't downloaded Libby or Hoopla yet, do it!
They are free apps that connects directly to your local library card, allowing you to borrow e-books and audiobooks without ever leaving your house. (And you can connect multiple library cards if you have them!)
Yes, you might have to wait for popular titles - but free is hard to beat. And many books are available in both Kindle and audiobook formats.
📖 Kindle
I love reading on my Kindle, especially at night. It's lightweight, easy on the eyes (which helps me read faster), fits into my bag, and I can carry hundreds of books with me. I love that I can adjust the font, font size, and lighting to my liking.
If you're someone who reads often, I personally think Kindle Unlimited is worth the subscription. There are thousands of books included, and I've discovered so many authors I probably wouldn't have picked up otherwise. E-books from Libby can also be sent to your Kindle, making it easy to read on the go.
🏡 Thrift Stores
Some of my favorite books have come from thrift stores for just a couple dollars. I've found paperbacks for only 99 cents at Goodwill! You never know what hidden gems you'll find.
🩷 Indie Bookstores
There's just something special about browsing an independent bookstore.
Not only are you finding your next favorite read, but you're also supporting a small business and your local community.
💻 NetGalley
One of my favorite ways to discover new books is by requesting Advance Reader Copies (ARCs). These are books that publishers make available before their official release date in exchange for an honest review.
A great place to find ARCs is NetGalley. You can create a free account, browse upcoming releases, and request books that interest you. If you're approved, you'll receive a digital copy to read before it's published. Once you've finished, leave an honest review on NetGalley & Goodreads. Publishers appreciate thoughtful feedback, and the more reviews you write, the better your chances of being approve for future books.
Even if you aren't reading ARCs, getting into the habit of reviewing the books you finish on Goodreads is a great way to keep track of what you've read, connect with other readers, and help fellow book lovers decide what to read next.
It's an easy way to support authors while keeping your reading hobby budget friendly.
Friend me on Goodreads here!
📓 Amazon First Reads
If you're an Amazon Prime member, be sure to check out Amazon First Reads! Each month, Prime members can receive a free Kindle e-book through the program.
Keep in mind that the way First Reads works can change. Some months you may get to choose from a selection of upcoming books, while other times Amazon may offer a specific title instead.
Even if you don't own a Kindle, you can read your free e-book using the free Kindle app on your phone, tablet, or computer. Since the available title changes every month, it's worth checking your Prime benefits regularly so you don't miss out on another free read.
Find Other Moms Who Love Reading
Everything is more fun when you have people to talk to.
Whether it's a local book club, online reading community, or even one friend who shares your favorite genres, talking about books makes you excited to pick up your next one.
You can join our Hot Moms Book Club here. It's a broadcast channel on Instagram where we choose 2 books a month and meet at the end of the month on Google Meet. No pressure to read both, it's just a fun time to escape the chaos of motherhood and chat about the books we've read that month.
Reading is one of the reasons I love bringing moms together through our meetups. Sometimes all it takes is someone saying, "You HAVE to read this," to get you excited about reading again.
Give Yourself Grace
One month you'll finish three books.
The next month, you'll barely make it through one chapter.
Both are okay.
Reading isn't a competition.
It's not about hitting a certain number of books every year.
It's about making time for something that fills your cup.
Motherhood asks so much of us every single day. Reading is one small way to reconnect with yourself, slow down, and remember that you're still a person outside of being a mom.
So whether you read one page before bed, listen to an audiobook while folding laundry, or sneak in a chapter during nap time...
It all counts.
Every page.
Every chapter.
Every audiobook.
Because making time for yourself counts, too. 🩷